Punk Rock Countdown: No. 17 "Radio Radio," by Elvis Costello I want to bite the hand that feeds me...
Elvis continues to make music but has come a long way from his punk days. Some may argue that he never really was punk -- he just happened to come along at the same time as the Clash, Pistols, etc., in the UK and sported a rockabilly haircut and straight-legged pants. His first few albums fit the punk/post-punk/new wave vein best, but the song "Radio Radio" -- and his Saturday Night Live performance of it, fit the punk rock mold quite well.
Don't let the cheesy organ and happy tempo fool you. "Radio Radio" is a serious song. It's a song about corporate control of pop music -- and by extension, a cautionary tale about corporate control of many other aspects of our life. And it was written long before Clear Channel was around. Somewhat prophetic, no?
Radio is a sound salvation
Radio is cleaning up the nation
They say you better listen to the voice of reason
But they don't give you any choice
'cause they think that it's treason.
So you had better do as you are told.
You better listen to the radio.